[ APOLLO BEACH ]

Pilot's Body Found In Tampa Bay a Day After His Helicopter Went Down

Published: Saturday, December 1, 2012 at 11:15 p.m.

Last Modified: Saturday, December 1, 2012 at 11:15 p.m.

Authorities have recovered the body of a pilot a day after his helicopter went down in Tampa Bay.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office says the body of 60-year-old John Lawrence Ward was found Saturday in the shallow waters of Tampa Bay just off Apollo Beach Florida. The body has been turned over the medical examiner's office, where an autopsy will determine an official cause of death.

Authorities say the helicopter left Tampa Bay Aviation out of Clearwater on Friday afternoon and crashed a short time later. Federal Aviation Administration officials said the helicopter was a Robinson R22 — a small, two-person craft. It was located by rescuers several hundred yards from shore.

<p>Authorities have recovered the body of a pilot a day after his helicopter went down in Tampa Bay.</p><p>The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office says the body of 60-year-old John Lawrence Ward was found Saturday in the shallow waters of Tampa Bay just off Apollo Beach Florida. The body has been turned over the medical examiner's office, where an autopsy will determine an official cause of death.</p><p>Authorities say the helicopter left Tampa Bay Aviation out of Clearwater on Friday afternoon and crashed a short time later. Federal Aviation Administration officials said the helicopter was a Robinson R22 — a small, two-person craft. It was located by rescuers several hundred yards from shore.</p><p>Federal officials are investigating.</p>